Replies

1. 
   charlie_sullivan | Feb 08, 2015 10:15am | #1

   If you want triple glazed, perhaps you are in a cold climate. If you are in a cold climate, you might want high SHGC windows. But the Marvin Integrity line doesn't include that option in triple pane.

   Consider the "Fiberframe" US made equivalent to Canadian fiberglass windows.

2. 
   STEPHEN SHEEHY | Feb 08, 2015 12:32pm | #2

   James: don't assume that Canadian or European Windows will cost more. Get a window schedule, with specs for U values, SHGC and ask for quotes from several suppliers. You may be surprised. Without detailed quotes, it can be hard to do a meaningful comparison between companies.

3. 
   Yamayagi1 | Feb 08, 2015 02:24pm | #3

   Charlie:
   You are correct. I am in Massachusetts coastal zone 5A, and was specifying the "tripane" windows casements and awnings for North, East and West, and the double pane LowE1 (Cardinal 180) with a higher SHGC for the South widows, supplemented with sliding Kalwall Shoji for insulation, privacy, and light control. Shading roof overhang on the South, of course. But is the Integrity line's performance truly inferior to the others mentioned?

4. 
   charlie_sullivan | Feb 08, 2015 04:12pm | #4

   Great plan! I'd forgotten about Kalwall.

   I've heard good and bad things about Integrity, but mostly good. I'd be worried about air leakage with double hung but I doubt you'd have a problem with casement. But perhaps others with direct experience can provide better information.

5. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Feb 09, 2015 06:04am | #5

   James,
   To compare windows, you need to compare whole-window U-factors (measured according to NFRC requirements) and whole-window SHGC ratings. Knowing that a window has triple glazing doesn't tell us much unless we know the U-factor and SHGC.